Seigar Recommends: “Lemon” by N.E.R.D.

Seigar, the photographer, is back.

N.E.R.D., Pharrell Williams’ band, released the funniest and most cheerful hip-hop album of 2017. And I really had a craving for an upbeat one for my yearly list! Here I bring you Lemon with lush guest Rihanna adding her unique voice to the track. People can twerk to the song. If you doubt it, just have a quick look at the tutorial video. It has everything to be a radio and Internet hit (hey, wait a minute x 100). It is clear the group really trusted this tune; it’s the first song in the album, entitled “No one ever really dies”. Rihanna joins other big guests in the album such as Gucci Mane & Wale, Kendrick Lamar, André 3000, M.I.A., and even the unexpected Ed Sheeran.

Though critics and reviews are mixed about the record, about a 6/10, I have enjoyed listening to it. For me, N.E.R.D. is like Mark Ronson, both produce danceable and energetic music, but they don’t normally receive what they probably deserve. And I personally love both. “No one ever really dies” can be compared to Mark Ronson’s “Record Collection” (2010), they share the same mood, joy and lots of cool guest singers. Both Pharrell and Mark Ronson are considered “suspicious” because of their fame as trendsetters, but if we forget about the prejudices, I think we all can have fun with their music. They both take advantages of collaborations, infectious beats, and samples. And I say, what’s wrong with that? That is pop nowadays. In short, the problem might be our own serious expectations.

Lemon may get to the Spotify playlists later than Pharrell intended, but the campaign behind is already out, we can watch at N.E.R.D. youtube channel the listening party of the album and various dance challenges inviting us to try the twerking style (the bounce, the work, the golden glide or even the Obama move). God save the eternally cute young Pharrell forever!